To the Discussion Leader

In Corey's first diary, Freedom's Wings, author Sharon Dennis Wyeth tells the heart-thumping tale of nine-year-old Corey and his pregnant mother escaping to freedom with the help of Underground Railroad members.

Flying Free continues Corey's adventures as the family is reunited and rejoices in the freedom they find in Amherstburg, Ontario, over the border in Canada. With hard work and the help of church members who had also made the journey, the Birdsong family moves into their own cabin where they celebrate the new addition to the family, Star, and Corey basks in the joys of going to school and not hiding his ability to read and write.

Readers in the seven to nine-year-old range are conducted on a journey that introduces them to the continued fear of slave traders, the heroism and courage displayed by members of the Underground Railroad, Emancipation Day, and the mixed blessings of a family torn apart by slavery and reunited in peace.

Sharon Dennis Wyeth writes, "After visiting Amherstburg, Ontario and hearing the stories of the industriousness and successful lives black refugees forged in Canada, I was eager to write Flying Free. I loved imagining Corey's excitement in coming to a new land and going to school for the very first time. How wonderful it felt to depict the joy and relief his family would have experienced having reached their goal of freedom!"

Summary

"It is surely good to be free," writes nine-year-old Corey Birdsong in his 1858 diary. After running away from the farm in Kentucky where they were slaves, Corey and his family have settled in Amherstburg, Canada. Corey's parents soon find jobs; Corey makes new friends; and he looks forward to going to school for the first time in his life.

The family saves enough money to buy some land, and they begin to build a house. Corey enjoys church socials, learning about all the new birds in the area, and celebrating Emancipation Day with the people of the town. Yet, he misses his friend Mingo who is still a slave on the farm down South. Corey writes a letter to Mingo encouraging him to escape to Canada.

Many weeks later, Corey sees a wanted poster for Mingo and knows he has run away. Christmas comes, and the family celebrates in their new house. Corey learns that there is a package waiting for him on the other side of the river. Although he has been ill and is very weak, Corey walks across the ice-covered river and finds a large box addressed to him. Inside is Mingo, asleep and half frozen. The Underground Railroad has helped another slave get to freedom! Mingo moves in with Corey and his family. Happy and hopeful, young Corey writes, "Someday there will be no running for any of us! That is my greatest wish. I want freedom for all of our people."

Thinking About the Book 

1. What is the Underground Railroad, and why does Corey want to be a member?
2. Why do you think Corey's diary is titled Flying Free?
3. Why does Corey refer to himself as a "double head?"
4. Corey was afraid and surprised when his father became upset because Corey sent a letter to Mingo. Explain why.
5. On August 19, 1858, Corey writes, "This is the worst day of my life. I lost my baby sister." How did Corey lose Star?
6. Identify the following people and terms appearing in Flying Free.     
        Town Crier     
        Emancipation Day     
        Mr. Audubon
        Provincial Freeman
        Malagasy Giant
        Amherstburg
7. Corey's friends and family end up writing entries in his diary. Explain why this happens.
8. Corey writes at the end of this diary, "Someday I will be a teacher." Do you think he'd make a good teacher? Why do you think so?

Student Activities

1. Corey is always working on his spelling and he almost wins his first spelling bee. Using the word lists found throughout Corey's diary, have a spelling bee with the other members of your discussion group.
2. To celebrate Christmas in their new homeland of Canada, Corey's Mama makes a cornhusk doll for little Star. Try making your own cornhusk doll. Use these instructions from Teachers First . 
3. Get a map of North America and trace the route the Birdsongs traveled from Kentucky to Amherstburg. Trace the route Corey walked when he went to get the box that contained Mingo. Which journey do you think was the most dangerous? Why do you think so?
4. For his tenth birthday Corey enjoys the blackberry cake his mother made. He writes, "There was sugar inside the cake and sugar on top. My mouth was watering." With help from adults, make a blackberry cake. How do the members of your discussion group like this special dessert? Do you share Corey's love for this food? 
5. Corey writes to Mingo using pictures instead of words. Write a letter to a friend using pictures. See if your friend can read your letter.

Discussion Guide written by Richard F. Abrahamson, Ph.D., Professor of Literature for Children and Young Adults, University of Houston and Eleanore S. Tyson, Ed.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Houston, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Houston, Texas.